27/06/2011 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Welcome to Look North. In the programme tonight: The body

of a County Durham man is exhumed, 11 years after he fell from a Greek

balcony. His family still don't know what happened to him.

family is going through total and utter hell.

Guilty, the woman who shouted Bangkok, at blinded police officer

David Rathband. In hot water. Scientists find what

they are looking for. - two kilometres below Newcastle.

And calls for a public inquiry over the future of a Ford which is

threatened for closure. Could Durham keep it up in the

cricket. And whether it was four or two legs or two wheels, thousands

enjoyed the north's big sporting The family of a County Durham man

killed after falling from a hotel balcony say they were left with no

choice but to have his body exhumed. Chris Rochester died in a Greek

hospital after a fall. His body was then returned to the UK with a

kidney missing. His remains have been taken for tests to find out

whether a kidney which was was eventually sent back was or wasn't

his. After dark, they gathered at the

cemetery. 11 years of agony had come to this. But Chris Rochester's

family says exhumation is worth it if it proves a Greek hospital

neglected him and sent back a kidney that wasn't his.-The-family

Is going through total and utter hell. There's no other words to

express it. This is just our worst nightmare. What's happening here

tonight, in its own way, means that Chris himself is returning. If

Chris gives that last vital piece of evidence that is needed for the

Greek authorities to try and con Victor the criminals. This tragedy

began the night 24-year-old Chris Fell 40 feet from a hotel balcony

in Rhodes. His family say hospital staff neglected him and he bled to

death. Then, the body came back, a ked any missing. An organ was later

sent sent back from Greece. Family DNA tests showed it wasn't his. The

Greeks dispute this and forced the exhumation. Reluck tantly agreeing,

the family this it is the only way to prove negligent, even conspiracy.

The fact of the matter is that kidney which is important in terms

of determining how he died is missing and replaced with one which

isn't Chris's is a key point in show ing negligence let to his

death. So, Chris Rochester's body is being exhumed from here. His

remains will be taken for DNA testing and matched against the

preserved kidney which was independent ly returned. An

independent laboratory will decide whether that kidney belongs to

Chris or not. As dawn neared, the remains left the cemetery. What

secrets they reveal could lead to fresh legal action. One Greek medic

has already been kin Victored of manslaughter. The family hope he

won't be the last. I don't think I've really grieved yet for him.

There's not a day goes by that I don't think about him and how we've

been treated and he was treated. Just impossible to comprehend.

A woman who shouted "Bangkok "at the police manned who was blinded

by Raoul Moat faces jail. She pleaded guilty to a charge of using

threatening and abusive behaviour. PC Rathband told us her actions

caused him and his family great distress. Kelsey Donkin came to

Newcastle Magistrates' Court this morning facing trial for her public

order offence but changed her plea to guilty. She committed the crime

outside another court out, Newcastle Crown Court in March this

year. PC David Rathband was attending the trial of the two men

who assisted Raoul Moat which included the shooting and blinding

of PC Rathband. She shouted Bangkok while pretending to hold hold a

shotgun. The prosecutor outlined the case. In a statement from PC

Rathband he said he'd never experienced maliciousness or

hostility up to that point. It made him feel sick to the stomach. He

felt very sad and vulnerable. Echoing that, the chairman of the

befrpb said to Donkin, you caused horrific distress to PC Rathband, a

victim who was extremely vulnerable. There's no mitigation for what you

did. It was draid ful having spent the time -- dreadful having spent

the time at count court. The affect she had on me, I had to go home.

Hopefully she'll realise one day her little joke had a devastating

affect not only on me but my wife and my children. To make Kelsey

Donkin's crime even more upsetting for PC wrath band, her court case

comes days before the anniversary of Raoul Moat's attacks. It is a

difficult time for my wife. I try my best not to think about it and

get on with what I'm trying to achieve with my charity. My wife's

having difficulty at the moment trying to deal with the memories of

what I did the day, the week before. We'll get there. You have a book

coming out, is that right? Yeah, I think it is out on 4th. It is my

opportunity to tell my story. There's been lots of comen eighters

trying to tell me story. But this is my story. I'm grateful I've had

the opportunity to get the story out. That's the end of it for me. I

have to start looking forward, if you'll pardon the pun. How do you

feel buying forward? It is tough. I have bad days. Hopefully, when I'm

busy doing my chair itable work, going to schools, it replaces some

Look North has learned a team of specialist doctors have walked out

of their jobs. It is unclear why the dermatologists left their jobs

at County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust. The medical team, including

consultants, were based at Sunderland Royal hospital but

served over a million people across South Tyneside, Wearside, County

Durham and darplg ton. Sharon, do we know why they left? We don't

know why they've left. There are a lot of stories. I understand

there's been a dispute at Sunderland Royal over how the

dermatology service was being developed. There's a great deal of

change at the NHS throughout the NHS at the minute. A lot of talk

about centralising specialist services. We don't not sure why

they've walked out. They were not just treating patients at

Sunderland Royal hospital? No, the dermatology team were treating

patients across Sunderland. Over a million patients, South Tyneside,

Wearside, County Durham and University of north Durham hospital.

How important is this dermatology service here? Other doctors say

dermatology is a vital service to hospitals. These doctors treat

patients with anything from skin cancer, inflamed skin and numerous

skin diseases. What are the trust saying? The trust provided me with

a statement saying the services provided by the trusts. It is very

unfortunate some members of the dermatology department in

Sunderland have decided to leave the service. We're confident we

have arrangements in place to ensure it is business as uerpbl for

our patients and they will continue to get the high quality care that

they need and expect. They also say, they've written to inform GPs about

the issue and are writing to patients now whose appointments are

being affected. So, they've lost four people. Who will replace them.

We also found out today, this job add vert izment has come into the

system. -- advertisement. It is for four dermatologists with a salary

of up to �100,000 each. The start date is as soon as possible.

Thank you. Figures released this afternoon show it has cost the

council tax payers lplgs �220,000 to investigate the condict of North

Yorkshire Chief Constable Graham Maxwell. That's on top of the

�100,000 the police complaints investigation spent on its

investigation. Grahame Maxwell avoided sacking and was given a

final written warning. I didn't realise at the time I was doing

anything wrong. I should have seen how other people would view it.

Aapologised for that. Charles Hendry has been in Hartlepool

looking at the potential for the town took a centre for renewable

energy y. He was told that companies will not be making big

investments until the Government gives reassurances they'll get

returns on it. The Government's commitment to reduce carbon

emissions is not thought to be a big enough incentive. If you're

making a multimillion investment you have to know there's a market

there for many years. We've said stop talking about Twenty20, let's

talks about what we need tor for 2030 and 2040 so investors know

there will be a 20 or 30 years outlook which is important.

Scientists in Newcastle have made a major breakthrough in an am bix

quest to find a different source of energy. A borehole has finally

reached hot water. The plan is to camtuer -- capture it and heats

local buildings. Frplt It is a rare sight in a city centre and it's

hard work. For four months, this drill has gone deeper and deeper

into the earth's crust passing fossils over 300 million years old.

Now, it's hit the jackpot. Steaming hot water has finally been found.

The scientists are thrilled. Absolutely over the moon. It's been

a long time coming. It is as low carbon as it can get. The carbon

footprint of this operation ends the day the drilling finished s.

The drill carries on to 2000 metres below Newcastle. After sandstone,

the borehole reaches water up to 80 degrees Celsius it. Will then be

pufrpbed back to the surface. It is an ambitious project which has

captured the imagination of local schoolchildren. Coal's not a

renewable substance. Back there is because they can get water from the

core of the earth which is really hot. REPORTER: What do you think of

that? It is good. I'm really interested in science. And history.

It is look like puting it together. It is really good. Once the

university has heated one of its own buildings, hundreds of local

homes and some businesses could follow. But first, scientists must

test the sandstone which insulates the water underground. That work

will be finished by September. Has to be the way ahead.

Theatre students and the public will be able to access the archives

of skr borough playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn. Hs work has been

translated into 30 languages. It will make all his work accessible

to the public. A group of primary school children

had an extended day trip today when they were cut off by the sea. They

were visited St Mary's Island when there seems to have been a mix-up

over the tide tables. It s worth reminding ourselves St Mary's

Island is accessible via a causeway. It is clear at the moment. Until

just after 3.00 this afternoon, it was completely covered by North Sea.

It is not entirely clear what went on today. There are several

versions of events here depending on who you ask. North Tyneside

Council says the tide came in later than expected meaning the school

children could not leave at the anticipated time. The coastguard

says the children were stuck on the island. Blyth coastguard were on

patrol. There was a group of children on the island. The tide

was on its way in. Spoke to the school group. Were able to take

some of the group off. It was deemed the safest thing to do was

leave the rest of the group on the island. We've had lifeguards from

the lifeguard base at Whitley Bay come along. They've gone on to the

island and kept the kids calm. Everyone has been perfectly safe

and happy. We've been able to walk them off when the tide refreeted

enough. When were they planning to come off. There was some confusion

about high tide time. They thought they would be able to get off at

1.00 which was high water was 1.30. Any time between 12 and 3, the

causeway was unpassable. North Tyneside Council sent a

representative to the scene. He refused to say anything at all as

did the head teacher of the school who may or may not have been

expected to turn up anyway. It is worth pointing out regarding this

claim the tide came in later than expected, the tides are regulated

by the moon. They are predictable and are used to predict timetables.

On which it is printed in British Summer Time you need to add an hour

to the printed time. More news and the sport still to

come: Too much to bare-the- roadworks which have brought one

town to breaking point. And as the heat wave, gives way to

fresh fresher weather, I'll have a full weather forecast later in the

programme. The future of a Ford that's an

important short cut for people in Weardale could be decided at a

public inquiry. Stanhope Ford was temporarily closed three years ago

after 23 incidents in ten years involving drivers who tried to

cross it when water levels were too high. Closures to make it perm nand

-- talks to make the closure permanent have not gone down well.

It is said you shouldn't cross when the stepping stones are under water.

There have always been those who were wary and those who weren't.

Where we've had people twieing to cross the Ford in difficult

conditions when the rivers's been in flood, vehicles have been washed

away or people are having to manifest a rescue. We could result

in a death of a individual or people driving across the Ford in

an inappropriate time. On a warm summer's day like today, the

water's only a couple of inches deep. It is almost a pleasure to

get your feet wet. But the council says the danger of flash floods

sweeping from the Pennines up there is becoming not just more likely

but more unpredictable. But those supporting the closure plan are out

numbered by those opposing it. It very much stacksed up as the

emergency services and the council against the local people. Though,

even here, view are mixed. It is very dangerous. I've seen numerous

cars turned over and wedged in the loch. I've each seen them halfway

down the stream. It is basically a judgment call. If you think it is

too flooded you drive round. good folk of Stanhope say people

came from miles around just to drive through the Ford. And it is a

tourist atrx in its own right. There's an online campaign to save

it. Our proposed solution is not to close it but to have a barrier

system based on the speed and height of the river would allow

people to cross when it is safe. Councillors meet tomorrow to decide

whether the public inquiry should be carried out.

Here's another problem for motorists. Roadworks. The bane of

the motorists' life. In one Cumbrian town, two sets are causing

huge tailbacks. The problem's so bad in Penrith, protests are

planned. Peak time in Penrith and it is nose-to-tail. Journeys that

should take minutes are taking ten times that. Work to complete two

new supermarkets in the town has caused a number of road closures.

Taxi drivers reckon these closures are causing a huge drop in custom.

They are just feeling fed up with everything. Some taxis have had to

ask their customers to leave the taxi because they've trains to

catch. Taxi fairs fares are going from the minimum charge, �2.306789

people are now having to pay between �7 or �8. While some shops

here in Brunswick Road are reporting a drop in business of 50%

due to a lack of pausing trade. Ullswater Road is being brought do

a virtual standstill frplt It is chaos trying to get round town at

certain times of the day. A lot of business is down in trade. You

wonder how long that can continue and how long we can hang on to

these small businesses which are the life blood of Penrith.

Permission for the works to take place at the same time has been

given by Cumbria County Council. It said while some traffic disruption

was being called, the long-term benefits outweighed any short-term

inconvenience. Not everybody in Penrith agrees. A protest is being

led by the taxi drivers outside the town hall tomorrow afternoon.

Doesn't it drive you mad! It was a very busy sporting weekend

this weekend. Lots of big events taking place in our region. You

were in one. The Sunderland 10 K and you're still standing which is

impressive. When I saw the temperatures I was worried. I made

it round. Great event, great support. Wish it had been a little

cooler. Much more on that coming up. First, cycling. In his final outing

before the Tour de France on Saturday, Bradley Wiggins won the

National Road Race Championships in Northumberland. It was an event

which is sure to have increased the region's sporting profile.

The road to success to and from Saddam Stamford was a long win. A

hilly 125 mile course. Wiggins and scam Team Sky took the placings.

The Olympic champion Nicole Cooke was undone by Lizzie Armistead who

won after a four woman sprent at the end of the 65 miles. The influx

of koch competitors, and teams changed the village life. Car

parking charges are helping to pay for a new church roof. Everything

has to happen somewhere. Why not our village. It is beautiful. Huge

for cyclists in the local area. Lots of people come cycling just

for fun, adventure. It is great. One of the biggest events in the

North East sporting calendar, the Northumberland Plate took place at

Newcastle Racecourse. Over 26,000 racegoers turned up at High

Gosforth Park. Many in their glad rags. Among them will have been

some happy punters as the afternoon showpiece race, the Pitmen's Derby

was one by 25-1 outsider Tominator. There's a big day of Cumbrian sport

ahead tomorrow. It is Whitehaven's turn to hold -- at Wimbledon, good

luck to teenage star Dan Ka who was given a last minute wild card entry

to junior will bem done with play in the last 32.

It was one of the hottest days of the year so far. It didn't stop

nearly 2000 people from putting on their running shoes for the big

Sunderland 10K race. Former Olympic athlete Steve Cram stepped in to

create the new event. It is the sort of weather which would usually

have you reaching for the sun lounger. Perfect conditions for

spectators, less so for runners. Despite the soaring temperatures,

nearly 2000 people turned up ready to pound the street for the first

Sunderland 10K race. Fun runners and elite athletes took part taking

in the seafront along the way. There were fears the city would go

without a race after the great north 10K was moved from Sunderland

to Gateshead. But Olympian Steve Cram stepped in to stage the event.

Sunderland want to make sure they've events like this. The

people of the city and further beyond can come and take part.

We've had a junier run, the main 10K and the elite miles as well.

Hopefully next year we can do it all again. Maybe with a marathon

thrown in as well. It was a great day for the city.

Football and Swansea City rejected Newcastle's bid for full-back Neil

Taylor over a wrangle about his availability. Disappointment for

Alex Gray, he skippered England in their 22 - 33 defeat.

Cricket and Durham ripped through the Lancashire batting order on day

one of their top of the table County Championship clash in

Liverpool. Callum Thorp took six wickets as the home side were

bowled out for 8 runs. Di Venuto and Smith for four runs.

Durham firmly in control there. Time now for the weather. There

have been some huge thunderclaps around here and in other parts of

the region. If you've thunder and lightning, where do you send the

weatherman? Up on the roof! Are you OK? I'm fine. The

combination of high temperatures and high humidity levels have given

us fairly oppressive weather conditions. That combination

eventually triggered some thunderstorms. We'd temperatures of

27 Celsius yesterday. We beat that today in the Vale of York. 29

Celsius. That's 84 Fahrenheit. We had a fair old rash of the thundery

showers over the north-east eh North East. Some places you may

have heard the thunder but some places saw some rain. Most of those

heavy thundery showers have moved off the east coast toin. Still

enough cloud to produce the odd shower. Maybe still the odd rumble

of thunder. Generally speaking, most place is dry through the night.

Increasing amounts of clear skies Increasing amounts of clear skies

drifting in from the west. Those clearer skies will give us a

much fresher feel to things. Last night, most places stay in the high

teens, temperatures-wise. Tonight, temperatures dipping to 11 or 12

Celsius underneath any cloud. In the west, Carlisle could dip into

single figures, 7 or 8. A north- westerly breeze. Tomorrow it is a

bright feel. Certainly a lot of broken cloud. Some sunny spells for

many places. Maybe the odd shower. But few and far between. Feeling

much fresher. The further south and east, the more likely you are to

hang on to thicker cloud. Ian with sunshine, we can knock 10 degrees

off today's high. A high tomorrow afternoon about 19 Celsius as the

wind drift down from that north- westerly direction. High pressure

drifts in from the west and starts to dominate things as we head to

the outlook. For Wednesday and Thursday, a quiet spell of weather.

Most places having a fair amount of dry weather. With winds drifting

from a a north-westerly direction,- the-best temperatures a mid-to high

teens. On Wednesday, Scarborough reaching about 18 Celsius. So

things feeling much fresher as we head into the middle part of the

week. For most of us, staying dry. Thank you, Paul. Time now for a

time look at tonight's headlines: A strike by teachers, civil

servants and other public sector works rs is set to go ahead on

Thursday. -- workers. And the body of a County Durham man who died in